Having been a home editor for the past 20 years, I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to eviscerate your budget to make your house look beautiful. I love a good deal as much as anyone — and so do the hundreds of interior designers I’ve interviewed throughout my career. The key, all the pros say, is choosing furniture and accessories that make you happy. It’s as simple as that! And if you want pieces that’ll stand the test of time, look for elevated basics — think the “rich mom” and “quiet luxury” looks that everyone keeps talking about.
Instead of wasting money on trendy checkered rugs and bubble mirrors, I try to fill my home with pieces that have a cool shape, an interesting texture or handmade elements, like a scented candle in a painted ceramic jar. Wood tones, neutral colors and nickel or brushed/antiqued brass finishes are also smart choices when you want home goods that look more expensive than they really are.
Quick Overview
The items on this list max out at around $35 and, in many cases, cost far less, like a set of landscape prints for just $6. They’re all so convincingly luxe, though, that they’ve wowed my fanciest designer friends. “Where’d you get that?” they always ask when they come over — but I’m only sharing my secrets with you!
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Between the bottle-green color, faceted design and matte black pump, this dispenser has the charm of a vintage find.
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Did I mention this coconut and amber scent smells incredible? Plus, I’m really loving the jar’s White Lotus vibes!
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If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
